Best LLC Formation Service: ZenBusiness, LegalZoom & 5 More

Overview

Selecting the optimal LLC formation service is crucial in laying the foundation for your business’s success. From ensuring legal compliance to establishing a solid business structure, the right LLC formation service can streamline the process and set you on the path to prosperity. 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ve meticulously evaluated and ranked the four best LLC formation services (and 3 contenders), presenting you with the results so you can pick the right one for you.

In this article, we will also compare the following:

• The best LLC formation service overall
• The best LLC formation service on a budget
• The best Registered Agent services
• The best deals and free offers

Let’s begin!

What Is The Best LLC Formation Service Me?

What constitutes the best LLC formation service? Choosing the right LLC formation service is akin to building a solid foundation for your business endeavors. 

These services streamline the often complex process of establishing a limited liability company by combining essential elements like name registration, legal compliance, and document filing into a cohesive platform.

So when choosing an LLC forming service, consider several factors to ensure that the selected service aligns with your business needs and goals:

1. Cost: Evaluate the pricing structure of the LLC forming service, including any hidden fees or additional costs. Consider your budget and choose a service that provides value for the cost.
2. Features and Services: Assess the range of services the LLC forming service offers. Look for features such as registered agent support, compliance assistance, document filing, and ongoing support. Choose a service that provides comprehensive support for your business.
3. Customer Reviews: Read customer reviews on various platforms to gauge the experiences of others who have used the service. Pay attention to both positive and negative feedback to understand potential strengths and weaknesses.
4. Ease of Use: Consider the user-friendliness of the platform. A service with an intuitive interface and a straightforward process can save you time and reduce the likelihood of errors during the formation process.
5. Customer Support: Evaluate the quality and responsiveness of customer support. A reliable customer support team can be crucial, especially when you have questions or encounter issues during the LLC formation process.
6. Legal Expertise: Check if the LLC forming service provides access to legal experts who can offer guidance on legal matters related to business formation. This can be valuable for ensuring compliance with state regulations.
7. Turnaround Time: Consider the expected turnaround time for LLC formation. Depending on your business timeline, you may need a service that can expedite the process and provide faster filing options.
8. Additional Services: Explore additional services offered, such as business banking, domain registration, or tax consultations. These services can add value and convenience to your overall business setup.
9. Transparency: Choose a service that is transparent about its pricing, services, and terms. Avoid services with unclear or convoluted terms and conditions.
10. Reputation and Accreditation: Research the reputation of the LLC forming service, including ratings from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other accreditation bodies. A positive reputation indicates reliability and trustworthiness.

By carefully considering these factors, you can make a better decision when selecting an LLC-forming service that fits your business objectives and preferences.

1. Northwest Registered Agent: Best Overall

Northwest Registered Agent is a company specializing in aiding businesses across the United States with essential tasks such as registering and forming their businesses. 

Operating for over 24 years, Northwest Registered Agent has garnered a stellar reputation with a remarkable 4.7-star rating on Google. 

Distinguishing itself from large publicly traded companies, Northwest is privately held, prioritizing enduring client and partner relationships over mere financial gains. 

Over nearly a quarter-century, it has quietly risen to prominence as one of the major players in LLC formation and registered agent services nationwide.

Key Features

1. Filing Services: Efficiently navigate LLC formation, incorporation, and nonprofit formation with Northwest Registered Agent’s expert assistance.
2. Stay Compliant: Handle the legal chore of filing annual reports, ensuring your business adheres to state regulations.
3. Business Tools: Benefit from services like mail forwarding and virtual office tools for a professional and flexible business setup.
4. Registered Agent: Get the crucial registered agent service, or if needed, smoothly change your registered agent with Northwest’s assistance.
5. Additional Services: Access a range of additional services, including trademark assistance, affordable legal help through Law On Call, EIN acquisition, and support for foreign qualification when expanding your business.

Also, when you choose Northwest Registered Agent for your LLC formation, you unlock valuable extras:

• Business Address: Northwest provides a permanent business address upon LLC formation, allowing you to safeguard your personal information and convey a serious, enduring business image.
• Privacy: Your contact information remains confidential, listed as Northwest’s instead, shielding you from unsolicited offers and preserving your privacy.
• Mail Services: Offering a distinctive feature, Northwest includes mail forwarding, with 10 free mail scanning instances per year. This ensures you stay informed about crucial letters or notices from your bank, accessible anytime, anywhere.
• Support from Corporate Guides: Northwest stands out as the sole LLC formation service with support from Corporate Guides®—local business experts offering ongoing assistance for as long as your business exists.

In essence, Northwest Registered Agent offers a comprehensive suite of services, simplifying your business journey from formation to ongoing compliance and beyond. 

Whether you are establishing a new business or venturing into new territories, Northwest Registered Agent provides the tools and experienced support for your business

User Experience

Northwest Registered Agent maintains an impressive customer satisfaction rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Google, showcasing their commitment to quality service. 

While a few complaints exist, the overall positive feedback and their A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) underscore their trustworthy reputation.

Users generally express positive sentiments in Reddit subforums dedicated to Northwest Registered Agent reviews. 

The community highlights the company’s reliability and service quality, indicating that Northwest Registered Agent is well-regarded for business formation and registered agent services.

User testimonials reflect a highly positive experience with Northwest Registered Agent’s LLC services. Customers commend the professionalism, efficiency, and ease of use throughout the LLC formation process. 

The exceptional customer support and complimentary registered agent service contribute to a top-notch experience. While some note slightly higher pricing, the consensus is that the premium service justifies the investment, making Northwest Registered Agent a highly recommended choice for LLC services.

Pricing

Features	LLC Regular Pricing	LLC Special Pricing
LLC Formation	$100 plus state fees	$39 plus state fees
Filing Speed	1-10 days	1-10 days
Registered Agent Services	$125 per year	FREE 1st year

Northwest Registered Agent’ LLC formation service, excluding state fees, usually costs $100. However, with their special promotion, entrepreneurs can now avail of this service for just $39, plus state fees. 

This presents significant cost savings and comes with an exceptional bonus – the initial year of registered agent services is entirely free and $125/yr after that.

This promotion enhances the value proposition for businesses, making Northwest Registered Agent an attractive and cost-effective choice for LLC formation needs.

2. Bizee: Best For The Budget

Bizee (formerly known as Incfile) is a prominent online business formation service facilitating the quick and easy incorporation or formation of Limited Liability Companies (LLCs). 

It is also the most affordable among its competitors, offering lower prices and free bonus services. 

The platform caters to entrepreneurs and venture owners, offering a streamlined process that eliminates the complexities of paperwork and legal intricacies. 

Bizee’s comprehensive services extend beyond the initial formation, encompassing vital aspects such as registered agent support, annual report filing, ongoing compliance assistance, and more. 

Notably, the company distinguishes itself with a commitment to exceptional customer service, positioning it favorably compared to other players in the industry.

Key Features

1. Convenience: Bizee prioritizes user convenience, providing a hassle-free process for forming an LLC without the burden of extensive paperwork or navigating complex legal processes. This feature can benefit individuals involved in eCommerce businesses like dropshipping, allowing them to focus on core business activities while outsourcing legal formalities to Bizee.
2. Expert Assistance: Bizee offers expert assistance from legal professionals to address queries and concerns related to LLC formation. Services include helping users choose the appropriate state for company creation, obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN), and guidance on opening a business bank account.
3. Registered Agent Support: The platform provides registered agent services, with the first year offered free, regardless of the chosen plan. A registered agent acts as a representative to receive legal correspondence on behalf of the company, a crucial requirement in many states.
4. Ongoing Compliance Assistance and Annual Filing: Bizee goes beyond initial formation by providing ongoing compliance assistance, ensuring a smooth operation for the LLC. The platform also handles annual report filing requirements, relieving users of this administrative burden.
5. Accounting and Tax Consultations: Users can receive expert consultations on financial matters, including operating accounting and tax compliance. This feature adds value for business owners seeking comprehensive support in financial management.
6. Bizee Virtual Mailbox: Bizee introduces a virtual mailbox service, offering a professional mailing address without needing a physical location. The virtual mailbox allows businesses to receive and manage mail online, a handy feature for remote companies.
7. Bizee Customer Service: Bizee’s customer service stands out for its responsiveness and helpfulness, as reported by business owners. With a customer service number readily available, users can seek direct and precise answers to any queries during the LLC formation process.

Basically, Bizee’s key features combine user-friendly processes, expert guidance, ongoing support, and additional services like a virtual mailbox to create a comprehensive solution for entrepreneurs looking to establish and manage their LLCs efficiently.

Pricing

Bizee provides a flexible pricing structure based on the services you choose and the type of entity you’re forming. 

The entry-level Silver Package starts at an attractive $0, requiring only state filing fees to form your LLC. 

As you progress to more comprehensive packages, the Gold Package is priced at $199 and the Platinum Package at $299, depending on the specific services you require for your business. 

What sets Bizee apart is that all packages include a notable perk – a full year of FREE registered agent service, a crucial component in legal compliance. 

Additionally, the packages cover the cost of annual report filing, ensuring that your Limited Liability Company (LLC) remains up-to-date with regulatory requirements. 

This pricing model allows users to choose the level of service that aligns with their business needs, accompanied by the assurance of ongoing compliance support.

User Experiences

Bizee’s user experience is reflected in reviews from various platforms, offering a comprehensive understanding of the company’s LLC formation services. 

Users have shared positive experiences on Reddit, highlighting the company’s ease of use and affordability. While some mentioned minor delays in the filing process, the overall sentiment is favorable, with users expressing satisfaction with the service’s assistance in starting their businesses. 

Bizee (powered by Incfile) has an impressive 4.79 out of 5 rating at the Better Business Bureau (BBB), underscoring high customer satisfaction and concern responsiveness. The convenience of the virtual address service, allowing businesses to maintain a professional mailing address without a physical office, was particularly appreciated by customers. 

These insights gathered from Reddit and the BBB reviews serve as a valuable resource for businesses considering Bizee for LLC formation and virtual address solutions, aiding them in making decisions based on real user experiences.

3. ZenBusiness: Best Registered Agent

ZenBusiness is a business service that assists entrepreneurs in establishing and managing their businesses. 

Specializing in forming Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), ZenBusiness provides a streamlined approach to company setup, focusing on efficiency. 

The company’s mission centers around facilitating business initiation with a commitment to effectiveness.

Key Features

1. Comprehensive Business Formation:  ZenBusiness offers a range of services for venture registration and operational needs, including LLCs, corporations, and more. Entrepreneurs can benefit from the company’s expertise in choosing unique business names through name availability searches and securing their desired names.
2. Guided Formation Process: ZenBusiness excels in guiding the formation process, ensuring accuracy in every step, especially when incorporating a business. The company’s assistance guarantees the completion of all requirements for a smooth business establishment.
3. ZenBusiness Registered Agent Services: Providing valuable registered agent services, ZenBusiness acts as a liaison between businesses and the state. The company handles legal notices confidentially and promptly, aiding businesses in maintaining compliance.
4. Online Document Access: Business owners can conveniently access all their formation documents online. If ZenBusiness serves as the registered agent, legal documents are also accessible through their platform.
5. Business Document Templates: ZenBusiness offers a library of business document templates to assist entrepreneurs in effectively managing their businesses, providing convenience and efficiency.
6. Business Operation Services: Supporting various business operations, ZenBusiness offers domain name registration, domain name privacy, business email addresses, website creation, and business banking services.
7. Online Payment Solutions And Tax Consultations: Besides operational services, ZenBusiness provides online payment solutions and tax savings consultations, facilitating financial matters for small businesses.
8. ZenBusiness Dashboard: The ZenBusiness dashboard is a central hub, offering users access to documents and tools. It provides a vital resource for those using ZenBusiness services, allowing tracking of formation progress, notifications at each step, and access to related documents. Features include process status monitoring and notifications, facilitating cost-effective LLC formation and solutions.
9. Additional Features And Services:
   • Standard LLC Filing: Streamline the process of forming your LLC by efficiently submitting the required documents.
   • 100% Accuracy Guarantee: Rest assured that all your documentation and details will be free of errors, providing you with peace of mind and confidence.
   • Worry-Free Compliance: Receive ongoing support to ensure your business remains compliant with state regulations, allowing for smooth and hassle-free operations.
   • Operating Agreement: Obtain a comprehensive document outlining your business’s structure and ownership, providing clarity and organization.
   • Rush (Fastest) Filing Speed: Speed up the filing process for quicker business formation, ensuring you’re up and running sooner.
   • Employer ID Number (EIN): Obtain a Tax ID to simplify your business operations’ banking, tax filing, and payroll tasks.
   • Business Documents: Access a collection of templates for essential business documents, saving you time and effort in creating necessary paperwork.
   • Business Website Builder: Effortlessly establish an online presence by creating a professional website using ZenBusiness’s user-friendly website builder.
   • Domain Name with Privacy: Register a domain name for your business while safeguarding your personal information and maintaining privacy.
   • Business Email Address: Enhance your business’s professionalism with a customized email address tailored to your company’s identity.

With its extensive services and expertise in business formation and management, ZenBusiness serves as a reliable partner for entrepreneurs seeking an efficient and hassle-free path to establish and run their businesses.

Pricing

ZenBusiness pricing stands out in the market, offering entrepreneurs flexible options to meet their business needs when compared to competitors. Let’s break down the packages:

Starter Plan:

• Price: $0 + State Fees
• Features: Standard LLC filing, 100% accuracy guarantee, Operating Agreement, Worry-free compliance (1st year free, then $199/yr)
• Filing Time: About 2 to 3 weeks

Pro Plan:

• Price: $199/yr + State Fees
• Additional Features: Rush (Fastest) filing speed (+$125), Employer ID Number (EIN) (+$79), Business document templates (+$99), Domain name registration (+$25/yr), Business email address (+$25/yr), Business website builder (+$15/mo), 
• Registered agent service (+$199/yr)
• Filing Time: About 1 to 2 days

Premium Plan:

• Price: $349/yr + State Fees
• Additional Features: Business bank account (+$5/mo), Money Pro bookkeeping (+$30/mo) 
• Filing Time: About 1 to 2 days

ZenBusiness caters to various business needs with its range of packages. The Starter Plan is budget-friendly, offering essential features. The Pro and Premium Plans, with added services, are suitable for businesses seeking more comprehensive support. 

ZenBusiness ensures flexible options for both startups and established businesses, streamlining the formation and management processes.

User Experience

User experiences with ZenBusiness, as gathered from diverse platforms such as its official website, BBB, Reddit, and Trustpilot, paint a positive picture overall. 

Reviews consistently emphasize high customer satisfaction and the convenience of service utilization. While there are occasional complaints, like regarding cancellation processes, the prevalent themes of contentment and ease of use underscore the effectiveness of ZenBusiness in meeting user expectations. 

Reddit reviews highlight affordability and simplicity, with users appreciating the service’s role in starting businesses. 

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) gives ZenBusiness an A rating, reflecting good business practices and positive customer feedback. Individual testimonials express satisfaction with ZenBusiness’ transparency, customer support, and overall service quality, making it a reliable choice for those seeking a streamlined path to business formation.

4. LegalZoom

LegalZoom stands as a prominent online platform offering a diverse array of legal services and resources for both individuals and businesses. 

Established in 2001, it has become a widely utilized online legal service provider. The overarching goal of LegalZoom is to enhance accessibility, affordability, and efficiency in legal processes. 

It achieves this by providing users with the most comprehensive assortment of legal documents, tools, and professional services.

Key Features

1. Document Preparation: LegalZoom facilitates users in crafting and customizing various legal documents, ranging from wills and living trusts to business contracts. Through a guided question-and-answer format, the platform generates legally sound documents tailored to the user’s specific circumstances.
2. Business Formation: Entrepreneurs and small business owners find a valuable ally in LegalZoom for forming entities like LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and more. The platform aids in the paperwork and filings for launching a business.
3. Trademark and Copyright Registration: LegalZoom extends support for safeguarding intellectual property rights through trademark and copyright registration services.
4. Estate Planning: Users can seamlessly create essential estate planning documents such as wills, living wills, and powers of attorney. LegalZoom’s tools simplify the process of outlining one’s wishes for asset distribution and healthcare decisions.
5. Real Estate Transactions: For those engaged in real estate matters, LegalZoom offers services covering deeds, lease agreements, and property transfer documents.
6. Family Law: LegalZoom caters to family law needs, providing services like divorce paperwork preparation, name change petitions, and child custody agreements.
7. Personal and Business Legal Forms: An extensive library of legal forms and templates, including rental agreements and employment contracts, is available to users.
8. Legal Advice and Consultations: Users can access legal advice and consultations from licensed attorneys affiliated with LegalZoom for an additional fee.
9. Registered Agent Services: LegalZoom can act as a registered agent for businesses, handling legal and tax-related correspondence on behalf of the company.
10. Additional Features and Services: Beyond its core offerings, LegalZoom extends several supplementary features and services to enhance the overall user experience and address specific legal requirements:
    • Legal Document Review: Users can opt for professional legal document reviews by attorneys affiliated with LegalZoom to ensure the accuracy and validity of their legal documents.
    • Business Compliance Tools: LegalZoom offers tools and services to assist businesses in staying compliant with state and federal regulations, including annual report filings and compliance reminders.
    • Legal Plans: Subscription-based legal plans from LegalZoom provide ongoing access to legal advice and document review services, presenting a cost-effective option for those with recurring legal needs.
    • Document Storage: LegalZoom provides secure document storage, allowing users to store and access their legal documents conveniently.
    • Name Change Services: Assistance is available for individuals seeking to change their legal name, including the necessary paperwork and filings.
    • Online Legal Resources: LegalZoom offers a wealth of legal resources, articles, and guides to help users understand various legal topics and navigate specific legal issues. These resources complement the platform’s core offerings, providing users with a comprehensive and convenient legal solution tailored to their unique requirements.

User Experiences

User experiences with LegalZoom vary, reflecting both positive and negative aspects of interactions with the platform. 

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) accredits LegalZoom with an A+ rating, a status held since November 1, 2001. While the BBB rating is high, users should note that customer reviews are not factored into this calculation. 

On Reddit, users have highlighted recurring issues, including hidden fees, overcharging, and challenges when canceling services. Users expressed frustration with unexpected costs, underscoring transparency and billing practices concerns. Some Redditors reported difficulties in canceling services, emphasizing the need for improved clarity and user-friendly processes on LegalZoom’s platform.

Google reviews for LegalZoom reveal a mixed sentiment. While some users advise against using the platform due to perceived unethical practices and issues with trademark filings, LegalZoom’s responses indicate an effort to address concerns. 

Delays, errors, and frustrations, particularly in the context of trademark filings, are common themes in the reviews. Some customers recommended seeking legal assistance elsewhere, emphasizing their challenges with LegalZoom.

Pricing

LegalZoom provides a range of pricing options tailored to various needs for those looking to form an LLC. Here’s a concise breakdown of their pricing tiers:

• Basic – $0 + State Filing Fees: Suitable for those comfortable handling most of the LLC formation process independently. It includes essential services like preparing the required Articles of Organization for state registration. It offers a name check service to verify the availability of your chosen business name.
• Pro – $249 + State Filing Fees: Ideal for those requiring additional support for compliant LLC operation. It includes all services in the Basic package and adds valuable services like an operating agreement to establish entity guidelines. It provides an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for tax purposes and banking and offers initial phone consultations with specialists regarding business insurance and taxes.
• Premium – $299 + State Filing Fees: Geared towards individuals seeking guidance from experienced attorneys for a robust LLC formation. It includes all services in the Pro package and provides hands-on guidance from an experienced business attorney chosen based on criteria like state, experience, and ratings. It also offers unlimited 30-minute attorney consultations and covers any changes to your LLC formation documents within the first 30 days.
• Registered Agent Services – $249 per Year: Facilitates LegalZoom as your business’s registered agent, handling legal and tax-related correspondence.

Other LLC Service Alternatives

When exploring options for LLC services, consider several other contenders, each with its unique features. 

• MyCompanyWorks is a company known for its user-friendly approach, providing a straightforward and efficient process for LLC formation. They focus on extras while ensuring compliance with state regulations.
• Rocket Lawyer offers a comprehensive suite of legal services, including LLC formation, and is recognized for its online document creation tools and access to legal advice.
• Inc Authority is a notable player in the field, often praised for its cost-effective solutions and added services with LLC formation.

Ultimately, the choice among these contenders depends on individual preferences, budget considerations, and the business’s specific needs. 

It’s advisable to review each service’s offerings, customer reviews, and pricing structures to make an informed decision based on your unique requirements.

What Is LLC Formation Service?

An LLC formation service is a professional service that assists individuals and businesses in creating a Limited Liability Company (LLC). 

This service streamlines the complex and often confusing steps in establishing an LLC, providing expert guidance through legal and administrative procedures. 

Key features of an LLC formation service typically include assistance with document preparation, filing, and compliance with state regulations. 

By leveraging such a service, entrepreneurs can navigate the intricacies of forming an LLC more efficiently and ensure that all legal requirements are met.

What Is The Best LLC Formation Service For Small Businesses?

Determining the best LLC formation service for small businesses depends on specific needs and preferences. 

Our top pick is Northwest Registered Agent. ZenBusiness stands out as a strong contender, offering a free business formation plan, excellent registered agent services, and worry-free compliance assistance. 

Alternatively, Bizee (by Incfile) provides cost-effective pricing options, step-by-step instructions, and comprehensive compliance assistance. 

Ultimately, the best choice hinges on factors like budget, desired features, and the level of support required for the unique needs of a small business.

What Are The Benefits Of An LLC?

Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) offer several benefits for businesses, including personal liability protection for owners. 

This means that the personal assets of LLC owners are generally shielded from business debts and liabilities. 

Additionally, LLCs provide flexibility in management and taxation. They offer pass-through taxation, where business profits and losses pass through to the owners’ personal tax returns, simplifying the tax process. 

The ease of formation, reduced compliance requirements, and the ability to structure ownership with members rather than shareholders make LLCs an attractive choice for many small businesses.

What Is The Difference Between An LLC And An S Corp?

While both Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) and S Corporations (S Corps) offer liability protection for owners, they differ in several aspects. 

LLCs offer more flexibility in management structure and allow for a simpler tax structure with pass-through taxation. 

On the other hand, S Corps have more rigid ownership rules, limited to 100 shareholders who must be U.S. citizens or residents. S Corps also require more formalities, including holding regular shareholder meetings. 

The choice between an LLC and an S Corp depends on factors like ownership structure, taxation preferences, and administrative requirements.

What Are LLC Formation Steps?

The steps for LLC formation typically involve several key stages. These include:

1. Choosing a unique business name
2. Appointing a registered agent
3. Filing the Articles of Organization with the state
4. Creating an operating agreement to define how the company will be run
5. Obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, and
6. Fulfilling any additional state-specific and complying with ongoing requirements

It’s essential to adhere to these steps to ensure legal compliance and the successful establishment of the LLC. Utilizing an LLC formation service can simplify and guide individuals through these crucial steps.

LLC Services: FAQs

Conclusion

In summary, when considering the best LLC formation services, Northwest Registered Agent stands out as the top overall choice, offering proven reliability and a comprehensive suite of features. 

For those seeking the most affordable option, Bizee is a cost-effective solution with its budget-friendly pricing. 

ZenBusiness earns praise for its excellent registered agent service, providing reliable support for legal compliance. 

However, if you prioritize additional legal services like trademarks and family law, albeit at a higher cost, LegalZoom remains a comprehensive yet pricier choice. 

Choose Northwest Registered Agent for reliability, Bizee for affordability, ZenBusiness for registered agent excellence, and LegalZoom for comprehensive legal services with additional costs.

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